رونوشت کامل Grave Pursuits, Chapter 5

and other nocturnal creatures, but it was a rare treat to relax and enjoy her time in the woods. 00:02:25.280 --> 00:02:28.719 Emily yawned as she drove to the park the next morning. 00:02:28.960 --> 00:02:36.400 Once again, she hadn't slept well, but she was looking forward to spending time with her friend away from the chaos of the crime scene. 00:02:36.719 --> 00:02:41.199 When she pulled up by the park office, Sam was waiting and not alone. 00:02:41.599 --> 00:02:52.159 She took a deep breath and pasted a smile on her face before climbing out of her Ford Fusion to greet her friend and the man who had haunted her dreams the previous night. 00:02:52.479 --> 00:02:53.439 There you are. 00:02:53.680 --> 00:02:56.960 We were going to send a search party, Sam said. 00:02:57.360 --> 00:02:59.840 She glanced down at her smartwatch. 00:03:00.080 --> 00:03:03.199 I'm right on time, Wade laughed. 00:03:03.439 --> 00:03:06.719 In the military, if you're not early, you're late. 00:03:06.960 --> 00:03:09.919 Then it's a good thing I didn't join the service. 00:03:10.479 --> 00:03:14.800 Your friend here tells me you two are planning on hiking the Shades of Death trail today? 00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:16.639 Emily nodded. 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:21.360 Haven't you seen enough shades of death in the past days to last you a lifetime? 00:03:21.919 --> 00:03:26.000 I picked that trail because it would keep me far away from Boulder Field. 00:03:26.400 --> 00:03:32.240 Emily didn't add that the real reason she chose the trail was because there was less chance of running into him. 00:03:32.800 --> 00:03:35.919 Seemed no matter what she did, Wade turned up. 00:03:36.319 --> 00:03:38.400 Don't you have the weekend off? 00:03:38.879 --> 00:03:45.039 Technically, yes, but I wanted to check in on things here and find out if the excavators made any progress with Dr. 00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:48.080 Mastriano stopping them every few minutes. 00:03:48.319 --> 00:03:50.159 Did you get any answers? 00:03:50.479 --> 00:03:52.080 Just returned from there. 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:54.560 They finished uncovering the remains. 00:03:54.800 --> 00:03:59.759 Now we impatiently wait for DNA results so we can follow any leads they produce. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:07.360 We can look into the jewelry found on the victims, but unless they had something incredibly unique, it isn't likely to help. 00:04:07.680 --> 00:04:13.360 It might if the family remembered what jewelry they were wearing when they went missing, Emily said. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:21.439 True, yet somewhat unhelpful if we don't know whose missing person's file to look through to find each particular piece. 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:24.319 Isn't it in a searchable database? 00:04:24.720 --> 00:04:25.680 Some is. 00:04:26.079 --> 00:04:27.759 Much of it isn't. 00:04:28.160 --> 00:04:30.800 Would you care to join us for a hike, Wade? 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:32.160 Sam asked. 00:04:32.480 --> 00:04:35.040 Emily jabbed her with an elbow.

00:04:35.360 --> 00:04:37.759 Wade noticed the move and chuckled. 00:04:38.079 --> 00:04:40.639 I'd love to, but I have some errands to run. 00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:42.879 I'll see you ladies around. 00:04:43.120 --> 00:04:46.079 They loaded into Sam's car to head to the trailhead. 00:04:46.319 --> 00:04:48.720 Emily looked over at her friend. 00:04:48.959 --> 00:04:50.560 Why did you invite him? 00:04:50.720 --> 00:04:52.560 What if he'd agreed to join us? 00:04:52.720 --> 00:04:54.959 We would have been stuck with him all day. 00:04:55.279 --> 00:04:57.279 I'm not sure that's a bad thing. 00:04:57.519 --> 00:04:58.879 Give the guy a chance. 00:04:59.120 --> 00:05:01.279 He's not a teenager anymore. 00:05:01.600 --> 00:05:05.040 He still thinks Austin and I are seeing each other. 00:05:05.439 --> 00:05:07.759 You haven't remedied that yet? 00:05:08.399 --> 00:05:08.720 No. 00:05:09.439 --> 00:05:13.680 It's the easiest way to protect myself from him and his charm. 00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:15.600 She frowned. 00:05:15.839 --> 00:05:20.639 If he thinks I'm in a relationship, he's honorable enough to keep his distance. 00:05:21.360 --> 00:05:23.839 Wow, that's not even right. 00:05:24.079 --> 00:05:26.879 You're using the man's own goodness against him. 00:05:27.120 --> 00:05:28.959 Tell the guy the truth. 00:05:29.519 --> 00:05:30.160 I will. 00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:31.759 But when? 00:05:32.480 --> 00:05:34.240 No time would be best. 00:05:34.720 --> 00:05:38.480 We could probably catch him before he leaves if I turn this car around. 00:05:38.800 --> 00:05:40.480 No, that can wait. 00:05:40.720 --> 00:05:43.040 She looked down at the floorboards. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:46.079 I'll tell him eventually. 00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:49.040 Sam swatted her arm playfully. 00:05:49.439 --> 00:05:51.759 You think he's charming, huh? 00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:52.560 No. 00:05:53.600 --> 00:05:54.879 You let it slip. 00:05:55.120 --> 00:06:00.000 I believe your exact words were to protect myself from his charm. 00:06:00.879 --> 00:06:01.759 Whatever. 00:06:02.240 --> 00:06:05.439 Emily tried not to smile, but failed. 00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:12.480 Her friend knew how to say the wrong thing in the right way, so it didn't agitate as much as amuse. 00:06:14.800 --> 00:06:22.959 After their hike, Emily followed Sam into the dim interior of O'Brien's mug, and after a five minute wait, the hostess seated them. 00:06:23.279 --> 00:06:28.480 A perky server set their drinks down and offered them a few minutes to peruse their menus. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:31.439 I'm glad we decided to go out to dinner. 00:06:31.600 --> 00:06:40.399 I don't mind making a tuna fish sandwich or having a can of soup, but occasionally it's nice to sit down, order, and have someone else bring you food. 00:06:40.720 --> 00:06:42.000 Does Wade cook? 00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:43.680 Sam asked. 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:45.600 How should I know? 00:06:46.079 --> 00:06:49.920 If neither of you can cook a respectable meal, that could be a problem. 00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:52.399 Emily glared at Sam. 00:06:53.040 --> 00:06:55.839 Stop acting like Wade and I are an item. 00:06:56.079 --> 00:06:56.879 We're not. 00:06:57.120 --> 00:07:00.079 We haven't been a couple in eleven years. 00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:02.879 He left, I moved on. 00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:06.240 I'm not sure moved on is accurate. 00:07:06.480 --> 00:07:08.240 I don't think you're over him. 00:07:08.560 --> 00:07:11.680 Sam set her menu aside and made eye contact. 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:15.199 You haven't exactly given other guys a fighting chance. 00:07:15.360 --> 00:07:17.839 Not even your fake boyfriend Austin. 00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:20.399 I tried with Austin. 00:07:20.720 --> 00:07:23.680 I adore him, but we need different things. 00:07:23.920 --> 00:07:29.920 I want to focus on work, and he wants to find a wife who would settle down, stay home, and raise kids. 00:07:30.480 --> 00:07:32.800 Are you sure you don't want those things? 00:07:33.120 --> 00:07:35.040 Sam pursed her lips. 00:07:35.519 --> 00:07:38.319 Maybe you just didn't want them with Austin. 00:07:39.040 --> 00:07:42.000 I'm not going to quit my job to stay home. 00:07:42.240 --> 00:07:44.639 Wish I could, Sam said. 00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:46.639 Seriously? 00:07:47.040 --> 00:07:52.720 I'd love to stay home if I could find a guy like Austin who would provide for us while I raised our children. 00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:55.360 I thought you loved your job. 00:07:55.759 --> 00:07:56.399 I do. 00:07:57.120 --> 00:08:01.199 But I'd make keeping the home and raising babies my full time job. 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:04.800 The server came to the table and they placed their orders. 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:06.560 Austin, huh? 00:08:06.879 --> 00:08:08.240 Emily asked. 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:11.199 Sam's face colored at the question. 00:08:11.680 --> 00:08:13.199 Not Austin. 00:08:13.519 --> 00:08:14.879 Someone like him. 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:17.600 You like him? 00:08:18.160 --> 00:08:20.560 How did I not know this before now? 00:08:21.040 --> 00:08:23.120 Shush, keep your voice down. 00:08:23.279 --> 00:08:28.399 One of your coworkers walked in, and I don't want it getting back to Austin that we were talking about him. 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:32.240 Emily craned her neck to see who'd come into the restaurant. 00:08:32.559 --> 00:08:33.759 It was Pete. 00:08:34.080 --> 00:08:37.919 The man was a chauvinist, but he was pleasant enough otherwise. 00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:40.240 He strolled over to their table. 00:08:40.559 --> 00:08:42.159 Good evening, ladies. 00:08:42.559 --> 00:08:43.519 Hi, Pete. 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:44.960 Would you care to join us? 00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:46.399 Emily asked. 00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:48.000 I'm meeting a date. 00:08:48.320 --> 00:08:49.039 Too bad. 00:08:49.200 --> 00:08:52.879 I would have enjoyed joining you two lovely women for dinner. 00:08:53.200 --> 00:08:54.720 Sam smiled. 00:08:54.960 -->

00:08:58.320 I'll see you first thing Monday morning, Emily said. 00:08:58.559 --> 00:09:02.399 Hopefully I won't have to rescue you from a bear again. 00:09:02.799 --> 00:09:03.679 Funny. 00:09:04.320 --> 00:09:08.320 He ambled up to the bar and a gorgeous redhead sat beside him. 00:09:08.480 --> 00:09:12.159 The server set down their salads, and Emily picked up her fork. 00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:15.120 Sam waved her hand to get her attention. 00:09:15.759 --> 00:09:18.159 Pete saved you from a bear? 00:09:18.639 --> 00:09:25.360 No, he helped me disperse a crowd gathered around a sow and her cubs, but he was incredibly rude. 00:09:25.600 --> 00:09:27.759 The man gets under my skin. 00:09:28.320 --> 00:09:29.600 He is a man. 00:09:30.320 --> 00:09:32.080 At least the bears were cute. 00:09:32.399 --> 00:09:34.879 Emily grinned around a lettuce leaf. 00:09:35.440 --> 00:09:39.120 Pete's not bad looking, but Austin is adorable. 00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:42.639 Is this you admitting you have a crush on Austin? 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:45.519 I work at Ricketts and he works here. 00:09:45.679 --> 00:09:48.480 An hour and fifteen minute drive on a good day. 00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:50.799 Long distance relationships don't work. 00:09:51.039 --> 00:09:52.720 I wouldn't even try. 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:58.480 You're both DC and Rangers, so you could transfer here, or he could relocate there. 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:01.519 I could ask him if he's interested. 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:05.360 No, Sam put a hand on Emily's arm. 00:10:05.679 --> 00:10:06.879 I'm not ready. 00:10:07.200 --> 00:10:12.559 Besides, it needs to wait until after you tell Wade that you and Austin aren't an item. 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:15.519 Emily raised her hands in surrender. 00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:17.600 Fine, I give up. 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:19.200 Sam laughed. 00:10:19.440 --> 00:10:20.960 Eat your salad. 00:10:23.039 --> 00:10:26.799 Emily stared at her steak but couldn't eat another bite. 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:30.720 She pushed her plate away to prevent the temptation to overeat. 00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:35.679 Sam's eyes widened to saucer proportions as she stared over Emily's head. 00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:37.600 What's the matter? 00:10:37.919 --> 00:10:41.440 She turned in her chair to see what caused Sam's reaction. 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:44.080 And her gaze met Wade's. 00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:46.000 She turned back to Sam. 00:10:46.720 --> 00:10:48.799 Did you tell him we'd be here? 00:10:49.200 --> 00:10:50.240 I didn't. 00:10:50.960 --> 00:10:52.879 Maybe he's meeting a date. 00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:54.639 That makes sense. 00:10:54.879 --> 00:10:57.440 He's handsome and has a good stable job. 00:10:58.080 --> 00:11:02.159 A woman would have to be crazy not to notice him, Sam said. 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:06.240 If you say so he's coming this way. 00:11:06.559 --> 00:11:11.120 Emily took a deep breath and counted to three before he arrived at their table. 00:11:11.440 --> 00:11:13.200 I didn't know you two would be here. 00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:14.960 Do you mind if I join you? 00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:16.639 Sam smiled. 00:11:16.960 --> 00:11:20.559 We are finished eating, but we can keep you company while you eat. 00:11:20.879 --> 00:11:24.240 He looked to Emily for confirmation, and she nodded. 00:11:24.480 --> 00:11:26.000 What else could she do? 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:28.080 It would be rude to refuse. 00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:32.080 She scooted over in the booth and Wade sat beside her. 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:36.320 He was so close she could feel the heat of his leg next to hers. 00:11:36.559 --> 00:11:42.320 It didn't take long for her to notice something was off with him, but she couldn't pinpoint what it was. 00:11:42.559 --> 00:11:50.639 It was as if his cocky self-assuredness had drained away, and all that was left was the boy she'd fallen in love with back in high school. 00:11:50.879 --> 00:11:55.279 But in that moment she wanted to bring back his easygoing, confident grin. 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:57.519 What's wrong, Wade? 00:11:58.000 --> 00:12:00.639 Is it obvious something is bothering me? 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:01.919 Yes. 00:12:03.039 --> 00:12:09.519 I was sifting through missing persons files all afternoon, and I came across a familiar name. 00:12:10.559 --> 00:12:13.039 Nora he nodded. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:16.159 Was there anything new in her file? 00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:17.759 There was. 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:20.720 The server brought him a water. 00:12:20.960 --> 00:12:24.960 He nodded in acknowledgement, but there was a sadness in his smile. 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:26.480 Thank you. 00:12:27.120 --> 00:12:30.799 The server requested his drink order and he asked for a root beer. 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:32.559 Emily reached out. 00:12:33.440 --> 00:12:34.080 What? 00:12:35.120 --> 00:12:38.879 A police department in Virginia requested her dental records. 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:40.879 He took a sip of water. 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:42.879 Maybe nothing. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:45.120 Do my parents know? 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:46.720 I doubt it. 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:50.960 The records were in the file, so they would have transferred them electronically. 00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:54.320 Your parents would only be told if there was a positive match. 00:12:54.559 --> 00:12:57.120 No sense in dredging up old news. 00:12:57.759 --> 00:13:01.279 But seeing her name brought everything back to the surface for you. 00:13:01.919 --> 00:13:03.519 It wasn't a question. 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:06.320 She could see the pain written on his face. 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:10.559 Why hadn't she seen the effect Nora's disappearance had on him? 00:13:10.799 --> 00:13:18.159 She'd been so wrapped up in her own pain and her parents' pain, she hadn't considered how their friends and loved ones were affected. 00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:20.399 I shouldn't have mentioned it. 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:23.440 There is no reason to cause

you added stress. 00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:28.159 The human remains found at the park did plenty to bring my memories to the surface. 00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:32.720 I'll be fine once these women are identified and their families are notified. 00:13:33.120 --> 00:13:35.600 The server came and took Wade's order. 00:13:35.919 --> 00:13:39.039 What makes the Virginia officers think it could be Nora? 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:42.240 A man down there bought an old farmhouse. 00:13:42.559 --> 00:13:47.919 He was doing renovations and found bones inside a wall, but they don't know who it is. 00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:52.080 I'm sure they ordered dental records from more than one department. 00:13:52.639 --> 00:13:54.240 That's disturbing. 00:13:54.639 --> 00:13:55.600 Exactly. 00:13:56.320 --> 00:14:05.360 After they sat in silence for several minutes, Sam asked Wade how he got into law enforcement, and the conversational mood lightened considerably. 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:09.200 By the time Wade finished eating, Emily had relaxed. 00:14:09.679 --> 00:14:11.519 Emily's car is back at the park. 00:14:11.600 --> 00:14:13.519 I'm going to have to take her back. 00:14:13.919 --> 00:14:16.639 Sam's matchmaker skills were obvious. 00:14:16.879 --> 00:14:22.559 She hoped Wade would volunteer to drive her, but Emily didn't appreciate the gesture. 00:14:22.799 --> 00:14:24.399 He turned to Emily. 00:14:24.960 --> 00:14:26.559 I can take you to get it. 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:28.559 No, that's okay. 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:30.399 I really don't mind. 00:14:30.799 --> 00:14:33.279 Sam brought me here, she can take me back. 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:37.279 I wouldn't mind getting on the road as long as Wade doesn't mind. 00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:40.960 I'm happy to do it, Wade grinned. 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:44.879 She shot daggers at her friend before turning back to Wade. 00:14:45.519 --> 00:14:46.159 All right. 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:48.559 Thanks for offering. 00:14:48.960 --> 00:14:52.480 Sam would get an earful when they next spoke. 00:14:52.799 --> 00:14:58.799 Despite Emily's protestations, Wade picked up their check along with his own, and Sam left the tip. 00:14:59.120 --> 00:15:01.039 They walked Sam to her car. 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:04.480 Text when you get home, Sam, Emily said. 00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:06.080 Will do. 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:10.000 Sam wiggled her fingers and backed out of her parking spot. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:14.879 Emily stood beside Wade and they both waved as Sam drove out of the lot. 00:15:16.960 --> 00:15:21.039 Emily couldn't stand the silence in Wade's truck any longer. 00:15:21.919 --> 00:15:26.320 So it was less awkward with Sam around, huh? 00:15:26.879 --> 00:15:27.519 You think? 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:29.279 He laughed. 00:15:29.679 --> 00:15:34.960 If we're going to be bumping into one another, think we should get past the awkwardness and become friends. 00:15:35.440 --> 00:15:39.120 He shifted his gaze to her briefly before turning back to the road. 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:42.000 Do you think you can forgive me? 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:44.480 She slowly nodded. 00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:47.519 I forgave you a long time ago, Wade. 00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:49.039 You did? 00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:52.559 I had to for my own peace of mind. 00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:55.279 The hurt and anger were eating me up. 00:15:55.600 --> 00:16:00.799 Thankfully, a long talk with another woman in my church helped me to see things from your perspective. 00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:02.879 I appreciate that. 00:16:03.200 --> 00:16:06.320 Sounds like a wise woman, he smiled. 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:08.559 She pushed him playfully. 00:16:08.960 --> 00:16:09.759 Friends? 00:16:10.080 --> 00:16:11.200 he asked. 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:17.440 If someone told me I'd be friends with Wade Brunner a week ago, I would have told them they were crazy. 00:16:17.759 --> 00:16:21.200 But yes, I think I'd like to be friends. 00:16:21.679 --> 00:16:25.039 What have you been up to for the past eleven years? 00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:26.480 Seriously? 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:28.000 Eleven years? 00:16:28.240 --> 00:16:29.919 She laughed out loud. 00:16:30.320 --> 00:16:31.840 School work? 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:34.240 She raised an eyebrow. 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:34.960 You? 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:39.039 Army, state police academy, work. 00:16:39.919 --> 00:16:43.120 With that out of the way, she relaxed against the seat. 00:16:43.519 --> 00:16:45.279 What did you do in the military? 00:16:45.840 --> 00:16:47.840 Thirty-one Bravo, MP. 00:16:48.639 --> 00:16:51.679 You were military police, I should have guessed. 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:55.120 It made the transition to state police a natural one. 00:16:55.840 --> 00:16:57.519 Do you miss the military? 00:16:58.159 --> 00:16:59.120 Sometimes. 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:02.080 He pulled into the lot at the park office. 00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:07.920 Made for a tough transition to civilian life, but I'm mostly happy with my decision. 00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:11.359 She took off her seatbelt and turned to face him. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:15.359 Do you ever wonder what would have happened if we stayed in touch? 00:17:15.680 --> 00:17:18.160 He raked a hand through his hair. 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:20.000 All the time. 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:26.799 She put a hand on the door handle. 00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:29.119 I'll come around and let you out. 00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:30.720 This isn't a date. 00:17:30.880 --> 00:17:32.640 I can open my own door. 00:17:32.960 --> 00:17:35.200 My father taught me to be a gentleman. 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:36.559 He jumped out. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:40.559 She exited the truck before he could make his way around to her side. 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:42.559 I'll see her around. 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:49.839 He watched as she climbed into her car, and she had the feeling he wanted to say more, but he remained silent. 00:17:51.920 --> 00:17:57.359 The following morning,

Emily smoothed a wrinkle in her long skirt and looked around the parking lot. 00:17:57.599 --> 00:18:01.839 It was nearly full, which was unusual for Whitehaven Bible Church. 00:18:02.079 --> 00:18:05.279 She made her way into the room where the pastor would be teaching. 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:11.920 Her usual seat near the front beside Bessie remained empty, so she grabbed a cup of coffee and hustled over. 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:20.079 She asked Bessie when her granddaughter planned to visit next, and the two made small talk until Pastor Clark cleared his throat to start class. 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:23.039 The study on Jonah hit home. 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:33.039 Not only did God give Nineveh a chance to repent, but he also offered that same chance to his prophet, a man who ran away to avoid a hard assignment. 00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:36.240 How many chances had the Lord given her? 00:18:36.559 --> 00:18:43.599 Yet she played judge and jury when it came to Wade and convicted him of all crimes real and imagined. 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:50.720 She claimed to have forgiven him, but now she wasn't sure her forgiveness had been more hypothetical than real. 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:55.759 Now she had to put it into practice and stop herself from snapping at him. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:58.400 She felt bitterness sneaking in. 00:18:58.799 --> 00:19:01.279 It was something she needed to overcome. 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:04.480 And she would, with God's help. 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:08.240 After Sunday school, she ambled over to the main church building. 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:15.680 When she approached her pew, she nearly choked on her breath mint when she found Jerry, the maintenance guy from work in her spot. 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:22.640 Before he noticed her, she turned and moved to the back of the church and found a seat among visitors whose names she didn't know. 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:27.839 Once again, the message on charity seemed directed at her personally. 00:19:28.559 --> 00:19:31.119 She hadn't been charitable to Jerry. 00:19:31.359 --> 00:19:35.359 In fact, she'd been downright rude by not welcoming him to service. 00:19:35.599 --> 00:19:38.960 Calling him creepy behind his back was even worse. 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:43.200 She didn't know if the maintenance man had a personal relationship with Jesus. 00:19:43.519 --> 00:19:46.160 He might need to hear the salvation message. 00:19:46.400 --> 00:19:51.759 This could have been his first time attending a service at a Bible church, and she'd been unwelcoming. 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:57.599 She would attempt to rectify her error by taking some time to talk to Jerry after the service. 00:19:58.079 --> 00:20:01.440 Her knee bounced as the pastor wound up the message. 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:04.400 She wanted to talk to Jerry before he left. 00:20:04.640 --> 00:20:14.000 As soon as Pastor Clark dismissed them, she made her way back to the pew where Jerry was seated, and found him surrounded by church members taking their time to welcome him. 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:16.480 Her guilt grew tenfold. 00:20:17.039 --> 00:20:22.000 Her church family were strangers to him, but they were more welcoming than she'd been. 00:20:22.240 --> 00:20:25.519 She waited silently as Bessie gave Jerry a hug. 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:27.440 She gave a little wave. 00:20:27.839 --> 00:20:28.960 Hi, Jerry. 00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:31.599 Emily, how are you? 00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:34.160 I didn't know you attended church here. 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:38.319 I'm glad you could join us this morning, Emily said. 00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:40.640 I'd better get going. 00:20:40.880 --> 00:20:42.640 Lots to do at home. 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:50.880 She invited Jerry to join them at the upcoming church dinner and watched as he made his way out of the church, loosening his tie as he went. 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:54.799 He seems like a nice young man, Bessie said. 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:57.759 I work with him, but I don't know him well. 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:59.039 I see. 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:02.799 Bessie patted her hand where it lay on the side of the pew. 00:21:03.359 --> 00:21:06.720 I need to get going, but I'll see you next week. 00:21:07.039 --> 00:21:08.319 Sure thing. 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:11.920 Emily expelled a long breath and headed for her car. 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:16.480 On the drive back to her house, she prayed and asked God for wisdom. 00:21:16.799 --> 00:21:25.680 Unlike God, she couldn't see the hearts of the people around her, but with God's help, she could make better choices and stop thinking the worst of people. 00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:31.279 Of course, that would be easier to do if a serial killer hadn't left her a threatening note. 00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:35.440 Bob was on his front porch when she pulled up to the curb. 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:38.480 He hurried over as she climbed out of her car. 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:45.279 She smiled with practiced patience despite her desire to get inside the house and out of her high heeled sandals. 00:21:45.680 --> 00:21:48.400 Emily, I'm so glad I caught you. 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:51.359 As if it wasn't obvious he'd been waiting. 00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:57.359 If he'd been out to enjoy the fresh air, he would have been on his back deck overlooking Sunrise Lake. 00:21:57.759 --> 00:21:59.119 Why is that, Bob? 00:21:59.359 --> 00:22:01.200 Did you need me for something? 00:22:01.680 --> 00:22:04.880 I wasn't sure if you'd seen the latest news report. 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:08.079 I fasted from the news on Sundays, Bob. 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:13.039 Oh, well, they mentioned you by name as the one to find that body. 00:22:13.200 --> 00:22:17.039 I didn't want you bombarded by press when you got to work tomorrow. 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:22.160 I'm sure the press will move on to the next big thing, so I doubt they'll bother me. 00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:27.599 The man shook his head solemnly before turning away from her and trudging back to his own house. 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:30.480 He called out to her when he reached his front door. 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:33.599 Have you considered letting me take you out? 00:22:34.240 --> 00:22:36.720 I don't think it's such a good idea. 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:39.839 She gave him a little wave and headed inside. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:48.480 Bob wasn't her type, and he crept her out, so she'd rather stay home and study the ceiling tiles than spend time out with him. 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:54.559 That's the end of today's chapter. 00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:56.960 Thanks for listening to Danger and Devotion. 00:22:57.119 --> 00:23:00.960 The next chapter's coming soon, so follow the show and you won't miss it. 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:02.079 Want a free book? 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:05.200 Join my reader newsletter at lek.com. 00:23:05.359 --> 00:23:06.400 I'm L E K. 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:08.000 I'll see you next chapter.